Hi guys, I have a 1997 dodge ram 1500 2wd 5.2l v8. When the truck is stopped the oil light on the cluster flashes... sometimes it stays solid also though. The oil gauge goes all the way down. It does this until I let go of the brake and press the gas... or, and I tried this today, holding the brake down and pressing on the gas pedal... so the problem goes away for the few seconds that I am pressing the gas. Does anybody know what causes this??

 

oil pump

 

Low oil pressure. When you step on the gas, engine rpm, and therefore, oil pump rpm.... increase.

You need to put a mechanical gauge on there, and verify if what your gauge is telling you is reality, or, just a bad sensor lying to you. If your oil pressure is indeed getting to the point the warning light comes on STOP DRIVING IT. Unless, you WANT to buy a new motor?

How many miles on the motor? Is your oil level up to snuff? If it is indeed bad pressure, replace the oil pump. Should solve the problem.

 

Mine was doing that too its probably just your oil pressure switch. $20 at autozone and that should fix the problem. It is a pain to get to though. It is up behind the intake manifold. I found it easier to get under the truck and reach up over the top of the bell housing on the transmission to get it out. If the truck runs and drives fine then dont worry about fixing it. You would be able to tell if your oil pressure was getting that low. your truck would not run right.

 

its not the switch.

it does have low pressure due to worn internals and increased clearances. mine does the exact same thing and I've been driving it for over a year. according to a mechanical gauge it has about 3 psi at warm idle. as long as it doesnt make any rude noises its fine.

new OP may or may not resolve the issue. you could try using rotella 15w-40 dino oil

 

damn, well oil pump sounds like a pita... and for 20 bucks I think i would rather try the switch first. I will keep this updated on the outcome... if anyone else has suggestions in the meantime go ahead and post them.

 

the stock pump is only a little bit more. 26 bucks here. I spent under 50 for a high volume pump. Changed it in my driveway. On the 4x4s, it is quite easy.

 

its not the oil pressure sending unit, dont bother

 

alright, cant seem to find them on autozones site, how much do mechanical gauges run? and can they check it for me if I bring the truck to them?

 

no, they won't really turn wrenches on your truck, and that will be required.... I got an el-cheapo deluxe mechanical gauge for 20 bucks. I have used it on several vehicles now...... gotta wonder why though, keeps telling me things I DON'T wanna know....